Increased hair growth, weight gain, acne and non-existent periods were starting to take over my life. I knew I had to find a solution to get my hormones under control that didn’t involve lab-produced, artificial hormones. After much research, I finally found the answer I needed.
I wasn’t pregnant, stressed, too over or underweight, or any of the many other reasons a period may disappear. I was told it was normal to have absent periods after coming off the contraceptive pill, but my intuition told me that this was not "normal" and I later realised I was right.
After choosing to leave artificial hormones behind and stop taking Rigevidon (a combined hormonal contraceptive Pill) after four years, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). I had irregular periods as a teenager, but I was always told that this was normal for someone who had recently started their cycles.
"It sounds cliché, but I didn't feel like myself. I felt like something was taking over the real me."
I found out PCOS was a common diagnosis and affects approximately 1 in 10 womxn in the UK. It is a metabolic and hormonal syndrome that affects the function of the ovaries. PCOS can be a life-changing and frustrating condition that can grapple the lives of womxn, from absent or irregular periods to increased hair growth (hirsutism) in undesirable places. It sounds cliché, but I didn’t feel like myself. I felt like something was taking over the real me.
I knew that irregular periods from my teen years could come back to haunt me. The convenience of being able to track and control my periods with my contraceptive pill was something I did not want to leave behind, but the choice to let my body produce its own hormones naturally was personal. I personally believe that hormonal contraceptions are bad for womxn, our body has natural hormones for a reason. After 86 days without a period (a far cry from the 28-day-average), I knew something was wrong.
Worried that I was infertile, I contacted my General Practitioner (GP). After multiple phone calls with my GP and a few blood tests later, I was told that I have PCOS, a diagnosis my GP came to the conclusion with, after discovering my testosterone levels were much higher than the usual average. After expressing my worries about fertility, I was relieved to find out that PCOS does not inherently make someone infertile. If I wanted to have children in the future I would be able to carry a child and conceive, even if it meant needing a little extra help from a specialist.
It took a few months post-pill for PCOS to take control of my body. It started by making me gain weight, forcing hair to grow on my face, stomach and chest, and sprouting more spots on my chin area. I didn’t realise at first, but all these symptoms are common in womxn with PCOS.
"As much as I complain about period pains, I would have done anything to feel a cramp again."
I started to feel defeated by my body. Why couldn’t my body work like it was supposed to? For myself, periods and ovulation is a part of what makes me a womxn. As much as I complain about period pains, I would have done anything to feel a cramp again.
I was starting to become unhappy with myself, and like anyone else that has the slightest hint that something is wrong with their body, I went on an internet trawl, trusting Dr Google to help me find out how to get my PCOS under control. I needed a solution, and fast.
One option was to go back to hormonal contraception, but I didn’t want to mask my PCOS symptoms with artificial hormones. I knew I wanted to fight this naturally. After reading reviews, watching YouTube videos and looking on multiple health websites I found a supplement that has changed my life for the better.
I discovered womxn with PCOS have a low level of a naturally occurring substance named Myo-inositol produced by the body from glucose. Myo-inositol can be found naturally in organ meats, fruits, grains, nuts and beans.
A low level of Myo-inositol is problematic because it controls insulin levels. Insulin resistance is common in womxn with PCOS and contributes to weight gain. Insulin resistance or low levels of insulin can also cause the ovaries to make excess testosterone. Testosterone is the leading factor in increased hair growth and absent periods, so it seemed like a supplement that contained Myo-inositol would fix my problems.
"I was ready to start my journey to fight PCOS."
Among this, the NHS recommends womxn with PCOS to take part in regular exercise and maintain a healthy diet, as weight control can relieve the symptoms. I also discovered that being clinically overweight could worsen cause PCOS symptoms, so I started working out every day and eating a much healthier diet, cutting out refined carbs, and eating more protein and vegetables. I must admit I was a bit on the chubbier side, so taking all this on board, I was ready to start my journey to fight PCOS.
I found a supplement called MyOva that had promising reviews from so many womxn in the same position as me. MyOva contains 400g of Myo-inositol. The supplements were on the pricey side at £30 for a month’s supply, but at this point, I was ready to get my hands on whatever would help.
The supplements arrived in the post pretty quickly and the instructions advised me to take four supplements a day, two in the morning and two in the evening. The pills are huge, much bigger than any other supplement or vitamin I have seen. They became easier to swallow the more I took them, and they can be crushed up or chewed if necessary.
Alongside the vitamins I take magnesium supplements, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (there is a link between PCOS, anxiety, depression and mood swings), improves insulin resistance, lowers blood pressure and reduces inflammation. I also started taking Omega-3 supplements which have similar benefits to magnesium.
Within two weeks of my changing my lifestyle, I started spotting (bleeding lightly). Three days later, I got my period! I also noticed I had more energy, a decrease in mood swings, was losing weight, growing excess hair at a slower rate, and was generally happier.
I still take the MyOva supplements to see the continued positive changes. I haven’t been taking them long enough to say I am having a ‘regular cycle’, but the effects of them seem good so far.
I can’t say that MyOva supplements are a miracle pill, as supplements produce different results in every individual person and supplements are not recommended as a ‘cure’ for PCOS.
Alongside the supplements, I also made drastic lifestyle changes, such as exercising every day and changing my diet, which all have been proven to combat PCOS symptoms. I can’t say for sure whether it was the supplements, my lifestyle changes or it was a combination of both that got my PCOS under control, but whatever it is I am thankful.
"It wasn't easy fighting PCOS."
It wasn’t easy fighting PCOS and regulating my hormones, but the struggle has been worth it. PCOS cannot be cured, but you can alleviate the symptoms and regulate your hormones like I did.
If tackling PCOS the natural way is something you are considering, then be prepared for a full-time commitment in taking these supplements every day along with changing your lifestyle. I do recommend investing in supplements if you are ready to take on your PCOS at full force, the natural way. You can do it.
She Her Them Magazine are not medical professionals, and therefore cannot be responsible for your health - what may work for some womxn may not work for others. We always recommend consulting your doctor before starting a new course of vitamins or supplements.